Automakers race to develop AI driver assistance systems

TOKYO — Japanese automakers are scrambling to develop driver assistance systems based on artificial intelligence as connected cars begin to usher in a new driving experience. Mitsubishi Motors recently unveiled an AI Personal Assistant system named Risa, while Toyota Motor is working on a concept car called Concept-i. Risa debuted at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2017 Yokohama in May. The system uses advanced technologies and a camera to understand the driver’s intentions and condition — physical as well as emotional — and provide relevant information. Other automakers are developing similar AI systems but Risa is unique, according to Muneyoshi Namba, a senior Mitsubishi Motors official in charge of vehicle technology development. Risa is the first system that “has made it possible to receive information from outside the car” to assist the driver, Namba…